Events Highlight CHI Celebration

To celebrate the Center for Health Improvement's 10-year anniversary at Hays Medical Center, staff members have scheduled three events this month.

There will be an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Fifteen-minute tours through the center will take place throughout the evening, as will drawings for prizes.

Mindy Mylrea will give an interactive community boot camp class and presentation at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the center, 2500 Canterbury. Mylrea is an energetic and enthusiastic speaker, said Stephanie Schaffer, the center's fitness director.

"For the community, I think the importance is exercise can be fun, and you can laugh about it," Schaffer said.

On Feb. 21, Joe Piscatella, the youngest person to ever have a heart bypass at 32, will give a motivational talk at 7 p.m. at the center. After his surgery three decades ago, Piscatella changed his lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising.

"I think Joe Piscatella is really about who we are and what we believe as a center to help people get well sooner and stay well longer," Schaffer said, referencing the center's mission. "I think he will really drive that home for people."

Both evening presentations are sponsored by Hays Medical Center Foundation.

No reservations are required for the presentations, though workout clothes are suggested for the Mylrea presentation. All three events are free and open to the public.